Prospect Info: David Reinbacher

[ReHabs]

It's hard when you realize we need a Leonard type and we knew we needed a Leonard type but we also needed a Reinbacher type.

Look at it this way: we need an every type.

Every team needs a Reinbacher type. Every team needs a Leonard type. Every team needs a Michkov type. Every team needs a Benson type.

I wouldn’t fuss about Reinbacher too much yet. If he slots in as seamlessly as Guhle, we will be enjoying him before long. Hughes just has to somehow get the other aforementioned types!

 

[Estimated_Prophet]

Maybe. But watching Leonard against Norway, an admittedly a weaker opponent, he looks like a true future star in the NHL. I have my doubts that Reinbacher will be more valuable. Real doubts.

Leonard has looked like a very good player who looks great playing with two linemates of superior skill.

Comparing him to Reinbacher is something of a silly exercise due to playing entirely different positions in different leagues on teams who are experiencing the opposite relation to each other from a team success standpoint.

I have compared Leonard's upside to Zach Hyman and Reinbacher's to Pietrangelo. I take Pietrangelo all day over Hyman and yes, I know these comparison models are very flawed. I do think these two are modelled after specific prototypes and imo the prototype that Reinbacher is closer to is more valuable than the one than Leonard is modelled after.

Dman are notorious for taking longer to reach their ceiling than wingers as D is a much more cereberal position so I would not put much weight into the appearance of Leonard coming out of the blocks quicker.

To be clear, I am not saying that Reinbacher is better than Leonard just that there is not any reason to believe that Leonard is better.
I have no real opinion as of yet due to how early in the process each player's development towards professional hockey currently sits, so while it is fun to pick sides I will wait for some actual evidence.

 

[le_sean]

It’s unfair to Reinbacher to be compared to Leonard when Leonard is playing in a tournament everyone will follow closely on a team that’s completely stacked. He remains a really good complimentary winger, which is perfect on the US WJC team. Had Austria been in this tournament, we’d be able to see how good Reinbacher is when up against his peers on a team that needs him to play a far bigger role.

 

[Beendair Donedat]

I’ve said it a few times and I will stand by it - I continue to see Reinbacher as a right handed version of Mattias Ekholm. He’s never going to overwhelm you with a flashy play, but he will be an ultra reliable, physical, shut down defenseman with some limited offensive upside. A guy you can play in all situations (other than top PP unit) and know that he’s a rock back there. Someone that could complement a more offensive minded left hand shooting defenseman very nicely.

 

[Colezuki]

the season for his league supposedly ends in march, do we foresee him coming over after and playing in Laval?

 

[WeThreeKings]

the season for his league supposedly ends in march, do we foresee him coming over after and playing in Laval?

Yes. They were comfortable sending Reinbacher back to NLA since they knew his coach. That coach has been dismissed.

He was likely coming over anyway but the draw to maybe keep him there is gone.

 

[Runner77]

Look at it this way: we need an every type.

Every team needs a Reinbacher type. Every team needs a Leonard type. Every team needs a Michkov type. Every team needs a Benson type.

I wouldn’t fuss about Reinbacher too much yet. If he slots in as seamlessly as Guhle, we will be enjoying him before long. Hughes just has to somehow get the other aforementioned types!

True but should we be talking about needs for a player selected so early? I’d be happy just knowing he was the BPA, whenever we have more data to bear it out.

 

[ReHabs]

True but should we be talking about needs for a player selected so early? I’d be happy just knowing he was the BPA, whenever we have more data to bear it out.

I don't subscribe to the notion that there is a general/universal BPA. BPA is best player available who fits our organizational needs. It just happens most teams always feel like they need every kind of player but for instance a team with a lot of shrimp puff players and prospects up front wouldn't draft another shrimp puff with a similar playing profile -- this is what happened with us in the 2023 draft imo.

With better stat taking and data analysis we can probably approach consolidated BPA lists within the next decade but ultimately it'll come down to what the organization needs. If you have prime Carey Price you won't spend a 1OA on a goalie even if he's ranked 1OA.

 

[Runner77]

I don't subscribe to the notion that there is a general/universal BPA. BPA is best player available who fits our organizational needs. It just happens most teams always feel like they need every kind of player but for instance a team with a lot of shrimp puff players and prospects up front wouldn't draft another shrimp puff with a similar playing profile -- this is what happened with us in the 2023 draft imo.

With better stat taking and data analysis we can probably approach consolidated BPA lists within the next decade but ultimately it'll come down to what the organization needs. If you have prime Carey Price you won't spend a 1OA on a goalie even if he's ranked 1OA.

The idea that needs play a part in determining BPA is counterproductive. A player is either the BPA at his draft slot or he isn’t. If the player chosen is a redundant asset but is the clear BPA, then he can always be traded to fill a need.

If needs were a determining factor, how are we supposed to be able to assess the viability of our scouting staff? Their competency is a function of their ability to narrow down who the best is.

Throwing needs in there, gives scouts a free pass since they’d then be able to say that even if some other player were clearly better based on their evaluations, they had to pass on him because he didn’t fill a need. Think how absurd it would be to pass on better talent for that reason.

 

[ReHabs]

Think how absurd it would be to pass on better talent for that reason.

And yet we’re living an in absurdity

 

[sandviper]

The idea that needs play a part in determining BPA is counterproductive. A player is either the BPA at his draft slot or he isn’t. If the player chosen is a redundant asset but is the clear BPA, then he can always be traded to fill a need.

If needs were a determining factor, how are we supposed to be able to assess the viability of our scouting staff? Their competency is a function of their ability to narrow down who the best is.

Throwing needs in there, gives scouts a free pass since they’d then be able to say that even if some other player were clearly better based on their evaluations, they had to pass on him because he didn’t fill a need. Think how absurd it would be to pass on better talent for that reason.

1,000%

I think the one exception is if there are two (or more) players who are very close and arguably “tied“ for BPA. Team need could come into play.

Say two players are positioned within one draft ranking. 5 random scouts has player A at #5 and the other five scouts have player B at #5. Say both players are 6’1, scored 50g and 100pts on their respective teams. Let’s also say both played in the OHL and both carried their teams to the finals.

I’ll even break it down in a more fantasy setting… say they’re freaking clones of each other and can shoot lasers from their eyes. However, one shoots left and the other right. Since we’re kinda loaded on the right side, we may take the left winger then in this case.

I know my scenario is dumb but really my point is there is an argument to be made for BPA for team needs, but that’s secondary to actual BPA. I also agree that get the BPA… you can always use him as a trade chip to fill a need.

 

[GrandBison]

The idea that needs play a part in determining BPA is counterproductive. A player is either the BPA at his draft slot or he isn’t. If the player chosen is a redundant asset but is the clear BPA, then he can always be traded to fill a need.

If needs were a determining factor, how are we supposed to be able to assess the viability of our scouting staff? Their competency is a function of their ability to narrow down who the best is.

Throwing needs in there, gives scouts a free pass since they’d then be able to say that even if some other player were clearly better based on their evaluations, they had to pass on him because he didn’t fill a need. Think how absurd it would be to pass on better talent for that reason.

BPA is different than most valuable. Defensemen and centers are high value commodities. I don't think that Reinbacher was draft to fill a need.

 

[Catanddogguitarrr]

BPA is different than most valuable. Defensemen and centers are high value commodities. I don't think that Reinbacher was draft to fill a need.

I think Reinbacher wasn't drafted for need but more BPA. The needed player would have been a true 1C like Bedard or Fantili. Reinbacher looked like the kind of D every team wants, like on top priority with a top center, a top D or a top goalie. The priorities changed with teams but also every teams wants about the same 97% of time. I can't figure a team pass on a talent 1C similar to Bergeron or Getzlaf and pick a "Grabovsky" winger instead. If that team don't find utility for that C, they can trade him for a D in the mold of PK or Josi.

 

[MasterD]

I’ve said it a few times and I will stand by it - I continue to see Reinbacher as a right handed version of Mattias Ekholm. He’s never going to overwhelm you with a flashy play, but he will be an ultra reliable, physical, shut down defenseman with some limited offensive upside. A guy you can play in all situations (other than top PP unit) and know that he’s a rock back there. Someone that could complement a more offensive minded left hand shooting defenseman very nicely.

That's great, and I'll enjoy him on our team if that's what/who he ends up being.

But that's not what you hope your 5th OA pick ends up being.

 

[Redux91]

That's great, and I'll enjoy him on our team if that's what/who he ends up being.

But that's not what you hope your 5th OA pick ends up being.

Its just the way it is for that particular draft year (just like picking 1st OV in a year with no generational talent sigh lol)
He's good, but it just doesn't really matter who we took at 5 right now when you (a team) missed on that years top3
If you couldn't get Bedard Fantilli or Carlsson and luck out like those 3 teams did
Just do your best with what's left for the 5th ov pick

They (we) went with the best D in the draft, so be it, hope it works out for us
But we simply blew it by not being in the top 3 that year, NOT because we drafted Reinbacher

 

[Kobe Armstrong]

Its just the way it is for that particular draft year (just like picking 1st OV in a year with no generational talent sigh lol)
He's good, but it just doesn't really matter who we took at 5 right now when you (a team) missed on that years top3
If you couldn't get Bedard Fantilli or Carlsson and luck out like those 3 teams did
Just do your best with what's left for the 5th ov pick

They (we) went with the best D in the draft, so be it, hope it works out for us
But we simply blew it by not being in the top 3 that year, NOT because we drafted Reinbacher

This makes no sense when a guy drafted 13th overall in 2023 is scoring more than the 2022 1st overall pick. There was plenty of high end talent on the board where we picked.

 

[Runner77]

BPA is different than most valuable. Defensemen and centers are high value commodities. I don't think that Reinbacher was draft to fill a need.

I very much doubt that they would choose a lesser player over a clearly higher ranked one just because he plays a premium position.

I don’t know why they chose Reinbacher but can’t wait to find out what he becomes. I hope they got it right.

 

[Runner77]

I think Reinbacher wasn't drafted for need but more BPA. The needed player would have been a true 1C like Bedard or Fantili. Reinbacher looked like the kind of D every team wants, like on top priority with a top center, a top D or a top goalie. The priorities changed with teams but also every teams wants about the same 97% of time. I can't figure a team pass on a talent 1C similar to Bergeron or Getzlaf and pick a "Grabovsky" winger instead. If that team don't find utility for that C, they can trade him for a D in the mold of PK or Josi.

I’m having misgivings about Reinbacher’s limited offensive upside. I would have thought that picking a D 5th means that the player would own that ability. Maybe it’s too early to tell?

 

[MasterD]

Its just the way it is for that particular draft year (just like picking 1st OV in a year with no generational talent sigh lol)
He's good, but it just doesn't really matter who we took at 5 right now when you (a team) missed on that years top3
If you couldn't get Bedard Fantilli or Carlsson and luck out like those 3 teams did
Just do your best with what's left for the 5th ov pick

They (we) went with the best D in the draft, so be it, hope it works out for us
But we simply blew it by not being in the top 3 that year, NOT because we drafted Reinbacher

For me it's not about Reinbacher himself, nor Michkov. It's about D vs F. This team has plenty of young D/prospects, but is bare at F. I'm disappointed the Habs haven't had a legit scoring star in my lifetime outside of Kovalev, who only tried when he felt like it.

 

[Redux91]

This makes no sense when a guy drafted 13th overall in 2023 is scoring more than the 2022 1st overall pick. There was plenty of high end talent on the board where we picked.

You got a problem with it go talk to the bosses in charge big guy lol what can i tell you

Obviously you can walk up to them with your binders full of hindsight to show them and look like you know more than them now eh?

But they'd probably still tell you the obvious tho, wait a couple years maybe?

 

[V13]

Maybe. But watching Leonard against Norway, an admittedly a weaker opponent, he looks like a true future star in the NHL. I have my doubts that Reinbacher will be more valuable. Real doubts.

I like Leonard too. He has that future captain or assistant vibe to him. I wanted whoever was left of Fantilli , Carlsson , Smith or Michkov first with Leonard as my 2nd choice and Benson 3rd

i'm fine with the Reinbacher pick even though it took me a bit by surprise. Personally i would totally have swung for the fences and drafted Michkov. That said If DR end up as a top 4 or even better a top 2 D then these are just as valuable as top 6 forwards. Let's just hope he fulfiill that potential.

 

[WeThreeKings]

I’m having misgivings about Reinbacher’s limited offensive upside. I would have thought that picking a D 5th means that the player would own that ability. Maybe it’s too early to tell?

Suter went 7th (and a left shot) in the best draft in history. I don't think anyone would say Suter has high offensive ability yet consistently produced between 40-50 pts in his career.

I'd say Reinbacher has that ability through his skating, poise and outlet passing. He activates offensively and can stand to use his shot more.

 

[Sorinth]

For me it's not about Reinbacher himself, nor Michkov. It's about D vs F. This team has plenty of young D/prospects, but is bare at F. I'm disappointed the Habs haven't had a legit scoring star in my lifetime outside of Kovalev, who only tried when he felt like it.

Wasn't there a 5-6 year period where Pacioretty was top-5 in goals. Similarly Caufield was top-10 in goals per game for 80 something games after MSL took over. A lot of times it feels like fans will always find a reason for someone to not be a "legit" star.

For the draft I personally would have gone with Michkov but I don't buy the D vs F argument. We may have plenty of good young D but for the most part they are very boom or bust type players. Mailloux and Hutson could be first pairing 60+ point guys, or they could MAB type PP specialists who struggle 5-5 even on the third pairing. If Barron/Xhekaj can't find a way to cut down their defensive miscues then they are bottom pairing guys too. Engstrom might be a star or he might be the next Norlinder or Nygren, etc... Outside of Guhle there really weren't any bluechip guys.

 

[Kobe Armstrong]

You got a problem with it go talk to the bosses in charge big guy lol what can i tell you

Obviously you can walk up to them with your binders full of hindsight to show them and look like you know more than them now eh?

But they'd probably still tell you the obvious tho, wait a couple years maybe?

(Mod)

The wait and see argument brings zero value to the table, and the constant appeal to authority is cringe

 

[dackelljuneaubulis02]

@montreal said in one of the comments to his YouTube videos that Reinbacher mentioned he’s struggling with the added weight management told him to put on.

That’s what I’m seeing he looks sluggish. The team seems like a mess from what I see as well. I don’t think he’s playing bad necessarily. It’s still impressive that he’s that young. I just haven’t seen much improvement from last year.

I’m hoping he comes over next year. I think him playing through some adversity is good but I don’t think Kloten is the best place for him next year